If you’re seeking a fulfilling career in the medical industry, then becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is an ideal chance to consider. Texas and Austin are areas of ongoing demand for CNAs–making them great places to launch your search. To be eligible as a CNA in this region, all that’s needed is an accredited class certification followed by passing the necessary Texas examination. Act quickly—since with such high requirements, starting on your journey towards success earlier rather than later can be critical. If you’re in the Austin area, we’ve assembled a list of the top CNA classes to help you find a program that meets your needs.
Highlights
- There are an estimated 5,130 CNAs working in Austin. With over 30 local hospitals and hundreds of senior living centers and assisted living facilities, there are plenty of job opportunities for CNAs.
- CNAs in Austin can earn on average $37,180 per year or more according to the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics May 2024 data.
- With several accelerated CNA programs available in the Austin area, you can be on your path to entering the CNA workforce very quickly.
- The average cost of CNA programs in the Austin area usually fall between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on if the program is in person, online and the length of the program
CNA Requirements in Austin
Class requirements for becoming a CNA in Austin are the same as CNA requirements of the state of Texas. Candidates must go through both hours of classroom training as well as clinical experiential training. Total hours time is broken down into:
- 100 total hours
- 60 hours of classroom time
- 40 hours of clinical time
Additional requirements for being a certified CNA in Texas include:
- a clean background check
- age of at least 18 years
- good health as shown by a doctor’s report
- proof of immunization
- negative TB test
- current Healthcare Provider CPR card
Top CNA Classes in Austin
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Austin means you’ll have to pass a state-accredited program. Where to start? Why not check out our curated list of the best schools in Austin? We’ve pulled together the critical details to make your research a lot easier.
1. Central Texas Nurse Network **Accelerated 3-Week CNA Classes Available
The Central Texas Nurse Network in Austin is offering weekend Certified Nursing Assistant classes for 5 weeks. Students will have the option to attend either the morning or evening sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, with a hands-on approach during the Friday sessions and assignments to be completed on Saturdays. The program provides 60 hours of classroom and laboratory practice, as well as 40 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility.
The CNA program at Central Texas Nurse Network covers topics such as resident rights, communication, safety, observation, and basic patient care skills. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the healthcare industry and can serve as the foundation for a career in healthcare. The program includes lessons on infection control, safety, basic physical and psychological needs related to aging, and the principles of nutrition.
To enroll in the program, students must have the ability to read and write English or Spanish, a GED, or a high school diploma. A criminal background check is also required before starting the program. The program concludes with an 8-hour nurse aide training competency exam, which is a requirement for placement on the nurse aide registry.
Price: $1,000
Address: 313 E Rundberg #208
Austin, TX 78753
Phone: 408.710.3759
URL: https://nurseaid-training.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Accelerated program can be completed in only three weeks. Weekend classes are also available.
2. The Goodwill Career & Technical Academy **Free CNA Classes in Austin
The Goodwill Career & Technical Academy in Austin offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program for aspiring healthcare professionals. This 160-hour course provides hands-on training in essential skills for caring for patients in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health. Students will learn CPR, basic first aid, how to take vital signs, infection control measures, and more.
The program can be completed in 5-8 weeks and night classes are available for those with busy schedules. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to take the state test to become a CNA and can find employment opportunities in various healthcare facilities. The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant in 2020 was $30,850 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Eligibility requirements include a photo ID, authorization to work in the US, a high school diploma or GED, proof of a negative tuberculosis test within the past year, and a cleared criminal background check.
Price: $0
Address: 1015 Norwood Park Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78753
Phone: 512.637.7131
URL: https://gctatraining.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Night classes available – programs completed in six to nine weeks.
3. Healthcare Career Centers
Join the Healthcare Career Center for Nurse Aide Training and become part of the growing health industry. With the need for qualified Nurse Aides on the rise, the Healthcare Career Center offers state of the art training facilities, equipment, and teaching methods to provide students with the best education possible. Approved by the Department of Aging and Disability and Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges, the program is designed for individuals who want to make a difference and help others in their homes or at work.
Price: $1,200
Address: 1200 East Palm Valley Blvd. (HWY 79) Suite 1212
Round Rock, TX. 78664
Phone: 512.246.6877
URL: https://www.nurse-aides.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Small class sizes for individual attention.
4. Austin Community College **Low-Cost CNA Program
Discover a career in the growing healthcare industry through Austin Community College’s Certified Nurse Aide program. The program is designed to meet the increasing demand for entry-level nursing assistants who can provide basic care for residents in long-term care facilities. In addition to long-term care, CNAs are also in high demand in hospitals, home care settings, and hospice, making it an ideal stepping stone for those interested in pursuing other healthcare programs such as nursing and sonography.
The program covers a comprehensive range of skills, with a strong emphasis on becoming an essential member of the healthcare team. With a fast-track option of just 5 weeks and 108 course hours, the program includes 60 classroom hours and 48 clinical hours providing direct patient care.
To participate in the program, students must have proficient English skills and a clean criminal record.
Price: $554
Address: 6101 Highland Campus Dr.
Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 512.223.7542
URL: https://continue.austincc.edu/nurseaide
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: It takes five to seven weeks to complete the program.
5. ACE Nursing Education Services **Hybrid-Online CNA Continuing Education Classes
Get ahead in the healthcare industry with Ace Nursing Education Services – the leading provider of certified CNA inservices online classes in Austin. With a strong commitment to quality education, all of our online CNA classes are fully certified by the Texas Board of Nursing, ensuring that you will receive a valid certificate of training and be able to renew your CNA license with ease.
Our online training program is designed to meet the needs of busy CNAs, allowing you to choose when and where you complete your training. Say goodbye to traditional classrooms and save time on your daily commute with our flexible online schedule. Trust Ace Nursing Education Services to provide you with the quality education and training you need to advance your career in the healthcare industry.
Price: $25 per continuing education course
Phone: 915.244.3955
URL: https://www.acenursingeducation.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Only offers continuing education courses
6. Gary Job Corps Center
Get the skills and training you need to start a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry with Gary Job Corps in Texas. Our Certified Nurse Assistant program covers a range of important subjects, including basic patient care, nursing responsibilities, infection control, safety procedures, and caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Graduates of our program are in high demand, providing basic care for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities such as nursing homes. With flexible schedules that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, this is a career that offers both stability and growth potential.
To enroll in the program, students must meet state requirements, including a criminal background check and completion of a training program meeting federal content requirements, complete all required activities in the Career Preparation Period, meet basic academic requirements in math and reading, and register with the state regulatory authority.
Price: $0
Address: 2800 Airport Highway 21 East
San Marcos, TX 78667
Phone: 800.733.5627
URL: https://gary.jobcorps.gov/train
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: High quality facilities for both lab and lecture.
7. Yeva Healthcare Training
The YEVA Healthcare Training in Austin offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program for aspiring nursing assistants. The course covers important aspects of the job such as providing daily care for patients, communicating vital information, and maintaining a safe and clean environment.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed on the certification exam and in their future careers. The program includes a mix of online learning and hands-on sessions, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their preferred style. Upon completion, students will have a deep understanding of body systems, disease observation, resident rights, infection prevention, mental health, nutrition, legal issues, and more.
The program also includes exams, a table of procedures, and a glossary to help reinforce the learning.
Price: $1,200
Address: 4101 Medical Pkwy.
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: 737.262.2712
URL: https://www.yevahealthcaretraining.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Four week program with hybrid-online class options
8. Williams Career School of Excellence
Transform your career with the Certified Nursing Assistant Program at Williams Career School of Excellence. With a mission to equip individuals with the skills necessary for excellent care in healthcare, W.C.S.E. is dedicated to helping underprivileged individuals and minorities in Hays County and beyond achieve economic mobility.
The program provides hands-on training and state-level certification as a Nursing Assistant. Graduates are equipped to care for seniors, individuals, and families with job placement assistance provided. No high school diploma or G.E.D. is required, and students must be at least 16 years old.
Price: $1,265
Address: 300 218 N C M Allen Pkwy Suite 212B
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: 877.889.2424
URL: https://mywcse.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Flexible payment options available.
9. Eze Learning Center for Healthcare Professions
EZE Learning Center in Austin, Texas, is a career training school that provides students with market-ready job skills in a short amount of time. With a professional faculty consisting of Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, and experienced office staff, EZE Learning Center is dedicated to inculcating the concepts students need for success in their chosen fields of healthcare.
EZE Learning Center was founded with a vision to bring healthcare and educational training opportunities to Austin and its surroundings. Recognizing the steady demand for healthcare professionals, EZE Learning Center is fully aware of the challenges that may pose obstacles for students, such as scheduling conflicts and financial constraints. With this in mind, the center offers flexible scheduling options and efficient programs that comply with regulatory requirements to meet the needs of its students.
Price: Contact school for current fees.
Address: 9411 Parkfield Dr. #310
Austin, TX 78758
Phone: 512.417.0708
URL: n/a
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Financial aid and flexible payment options available.
10. Rosy Home Healthcare
Rosy Home Healthcare in Austin, Texas offers a state-approved nurse aide training program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on the Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Over the course of 5 weeks, students will cover topics such as communication, residents’ rights, safety, observation and reporting, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, restorative techniques, and infection control.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must be able to speak and write in English, meet the required health requirements including a negative TB test and health exam, provide documentation of up-to-date immunizations, and pass a criminal background check.
Price: Contact school for current fees.
Address: 3724 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX 78722
Phone: 512.251.7555
URL: n/a
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Some students may qualify for free tuition.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Austin?
The average salary for nursing assistants in Austin is $37,180 annually, or $16.17 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That is higher than the Texas state average of $35,370 per year and $17.01 per hour and slightly lower than the U.S. average of $39,610 annually.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Austin?
The cost of CNA courses in the Austin area varies depending on the school or program you choose. Generally, courses cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the length of the course and if it includes books, equipment, or other learning materials. There are also cost differences between online and in-person schools. The length of your CNA program also can impact your total cost. Schools may offer financial aid options to help cover the cost of tuition, so be sure to do research to see what type of aid you may qualify for. Potential employers such as healthcare organizations and long-term care facilities may provide a tuition reimbursement program for CNA graduates.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Austin
There are approximately 71,700 CNAs working in Texas and 4,230 of them work in the Austin area. With the burgeoning need for care and staff members at long-term care, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities comes a surge of job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants. What types of organizations are employing CNAs in Austin? You can view the data below:
| Industry Type | Austin Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,516 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,243 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 453 |
| Home Health Care Services | 269 |
| Employment Services | 125 |
| Individual and Family Services | 117 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 84 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 83 |
| Offices of Physicians | 56 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 52 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 46 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 38 |